Kim Komando Q&A: Buy an iPad for less

Komando

Question: I'd like to buy a new iPad, but I want to save a little cash. Is there any way to buy a new iPad online for less?

Answer: Apple has a refurbished gadget program that can save you about $50 on the new iPad. It will come with the same one-year warranty the brand-new ones have.

You also can shop on Amazon and eBay for used iPads. Double check the going price on Gazelle. Just ensure the seller has a good reputation before you buy, and make sure the iPad has a warranty.

If you don't need to have the latest and greatest gadget, you can buy the iPad 2. It's still a solid tablet and $100 cheaper than the new iPad. When you buy it refurbished from Apple, you'll save even more.

Turn your monitor into a touch screen?

Q: I'd like to turn my monitor into a touch screen to take advantage of Windows 8. Is there any software that can do this?

A: Not really. Turning a non-touch screen monitor into a touch screen requires a hardware fix. The kits can cost $100 or less, but attempt it only if you know what you're doing. You will void your monitor's warranty.

You can buy touch-screen overlays for your monitor that will give your monitor some touch-screen features. However, these can cost just as much or more than buying a new touch-screen monitor.

Because of that, I recommend just buying a touch-screen monitor if you want to cash in on Window 8's touch-screen features. Expect to pay about $300.

How to make a business page on Facebook

Q: I have a business I'd like to advertise on Facebook. How do I set up a Facebook business profile?

A: The process is very similar to creating a regular Facebook profile. Go to the Facebook home page and click "Create a page for a celebrity, band or business" in the bottom right.

Then Facebook will walk you through inputting all of your business's vital information. Make sure you include a business-specific telephone number and email address so you don't confuse personal and business contacts. Include plenty of pictures and other fun stuff to make people see your page as less of a business and more as a friend.

I've got a ton of tips to make the most of a business Facebook page.

Will you save with a shared data plan?

Q: My wife just bought a new iPhone and gave her old smartphone to me. Should we sign up for a shared data plan or separate individual plans?

A: In most circumstances, a shared data plan is going to be cheaper. You'll also have unlimited calling and texting on each device. That's a great value.

However, there are a couple reasons to stay away from shared data. If you want to go with a prepaid plan or move to a different carrier, shared data won't work. There may be cancellation fees or charges to modify your wife's current plan.

Tips to finding free Wi-Fi service providers

Q: I just moved to a new city and am trying to find hotspots around town. What are some ways to find free Wi-Fi?

A: If you've already set up cable Internet in your home, you may have access to thousands of hotspots. Go to your ISP's website and type in your ZIP code. You could find dozens of cool places with free Wi-Fi to check out.

Some cable providers also allow other companies' customers to use their hotspots for free. This is called the Cable Wi-Fi project. Check to see if your ISP is one of its members.

If not, you still can find dozens of hotspots around town with the JiWire Wi-Fi finder. It organizes hotspots by price, so you'll always know whether there's free Wi-Fi.

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Send comments to Kim Komando by email to techcomments@usatoday.com.

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Kim Komando Q&A: Buy an iPad for less

Also learn whether you can turn your monitor into a touch screen, how to make a business page on Facebook, tips to finding free Wi-Fi service providers and whether you will save with a shared data